]]>The McLaren P1 GTR hybrid race car will be the most powerful track-only model ever produced by McLaren Automotive.

McLaren said this new lap-time-minded hybrid model will offer an on- and off-track driving experience like no other, with unique access to the technologies and expertise within the McLaren Technology Centre.

Dynamic testing is well underway at a range of international race circuits, said McLaren, and the first un-camouflaged images show the latest aerodynamic and cooling updates being tested. In addition, the driver-focused cockpit is confirmed to be even more purposeful than the road-going model, and has been designed with driver engagement and weight saving key priorities, but no compromise in terms of comfort and safety.

Linked to the car, the individually-tailored McLaren P1 GTR driver program will, explained McLaren, offer each driver a unique insight into the world of McLaren. Details of the program, which has previously been experienced by race winners and world champions, are explained on the official McLaren Automotive YouTube video.

Inside the McLaren P1 GTR

Images of the interior show how the driving environment of the McLaren P1 GTR has been designed to be as focused for the driver as possible, and stripped of all but the essential items in order to keep weight to a minimum, said the company. The lightweight carbon fiber MonoCage chassis is carried over from the road car, and weighs 90 kilograms including the upper and lower structures (including roof), roof snorkel, engine air intake cavity, battery and power electronics housing. This MonoCage chassis, shared with the road car, meets FIA load requirements for rollover in GT racing category. Since the ‘rollcage’ is incorporated into the MonoCage, there is no reduction in headroom for the driver.

The company developed a specific steering wheel, which it said has been designed to make all controls as easily accessible and user-friendly as possible. As with various elements throughout the car, there is significant heritage linked to the steering wheel: although unique to the McLaren P1 GTR, the design is said to be based on the steering wheel of the 2008 Formula 1 championship-winning MP4-23.

On this new steering wheel, key controls including the mode switches are located to the centre; this allows the driver to fully adjust the setup and characteristics of the car without having to take their hands from the wheel. The DRS and IPAS buttons are retained on the steering wheel. In the design and implementation of this new set up, all controls are said to be comfortably operated, and are easily accessible, when in a full race suit, helmet and gloves.

McLaren added lightweight DTM-style seats and full six-point motorsport harnesses are part of the package. These will be specifically set up for the individual driver, and mounted directly to the chassis, reducing weight by having no additional mounting brackets. The HANS-approved carbon fiber seat shell offers comfort and support; McLaren stated it has been ergonomically-designed along with the rest of the cabin controls. Despite the stripped out environment, the air-conditioning is kept to maintain comfort during the much more physical driving experience.

Testing is ongoing with the dedicated test team of engineers, technicians and development drivers having recently completed a successful test in the extreme desert heat at the Bahrain International Circuit. The testing program was designed to push the capabilities of the upgraded IPAS hybrid powertrain, ensure optimized balance and handling characteristics on the race-proven Pirelli slick tires, and work through aerodynamic developments including the dramatic fixed-height rear wing which includes the Formula 1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS).

The testing schedule was carried out with the latest development prototype, shown in the pictures accompanying this post in Carbon Black paintwork and bare carbon fiber bodywork.

McLaren proudly revealed all tests were completed with results meeting or, in many cases exceeding, the stringent targets set. The McLaren P1 GTR development continues its rapid progress, with further testing scheduled over the winter throughout Europe.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/mclaren-p1-gtr-hybrid-first-inside-look/feed/02.8 Seconds To Reach 62 MPH In McLaren’s Hybrid Supercarhttp://www.hybridcars.com/2-8-seconds-to-reach-62-mph-in-mclarens-hybrid-supercar/
http://www.hybridcars.com/2-8-seconds-to-reach-62-mph-in-mclarens-hybrid-supercar/#commentsMon, 21 Oct 2013 14:10:38 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=83169McLaren Automotive has now confirmed the performance figures for the hybrid supercar McLaren P1. These figures show that the McLaren P1 accelerates to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, 124 mph in 6.8 seconds, and 186 mph in 16.5 seconds. McLaren said the P1 has been designed from the outset with one clear goal: to be […]

]]>McLaren Automotive has now confirmed the performance figures for the hybrid supercar McLaren P1.

These figures show that the McLaren P1 accelerates to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, 124 mph in 6.8 seconds, and 186 mph in 16.5 seconds.

McLaren said the P1 has been designed from the outset with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on road and track. For the British company, the confirmation of the performance figures underlines this, and gives further insight into the potential of the latest model from the Woking-based firm.

The electric motor offers a range of 6.8 miles in full electric mode on the NEDC cycle.

The braking performance is said to be as impressive, attained though the use of a bespoke Akebono system. The specially formulated carbon ceramic discs, coated in silicon carbide, can bring the McLaren P1 to a stop from 62 mph (100 km/h) in a distance of 30.2 meters. This figure is even more impressive when compared to the recognized stopping distances, which suggests that more than three times the distance – 102 meters – is required to bring a regular car to a stop from 100 km/h (62 mph).

Series production of the P1 started over the summer and the first car, finished in Volcano Yellow and contrasting visual carbon fiber, rolled off the production line at the end of September – a fitting tribute during the month of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

“We designed the McLaren P1 from the outset with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on road and track. The confirmation of the performance figures underlines this. I am very proud of our Woking based team and everything they have achieved with this ambitious project. The handover of the first McLaren P1 is another milestone in our 50 year history,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive Ltd.

A total of 375 examples of the McLaren P1 will be produced, all hand-built in the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, England.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/2-8-seconds-to-reach-62-mph-in-mclarens-hybrid-supercar/feed/0New McLaren Web site Offers Hindsight On Hybrid P1 Creationhttp://www.hybridcars.com/new-mclaren-web-site-offers-hindsight-on-hybrid-p1-creation/
http://www.hybridcars.com/new-mclaren-web-site-offers-hindsight-on-hybrid-p1-creation/#commentsFri, 07 Jun 2013 04:00:20 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=59953Yesterday marked the official launch of the new global brand Web site for McLaren Automotive, including insight on how the hybrid P1 and other performance cars were created. This digital initiative is aimed at offering unparalleled inside access to McLaren and introducing a new global audience to the British brand. The new site and exclusive […]

In the 50th anniversary year of the McLaren brand, the site houses never-before-seen video interviews with the key people who have shaped its history.

The new Web site also explores the creation of the iconic McLaren F1, through to the 12C, 12C Spider and McLaren P1 hybrid. These stories are told by the engineers and designers who were integral to development, offering intimate details not previously shared with the outside world.

Detailed insights into the technological and engineering expertise of the company are presented alongside the ways in which the unique values and beliefs have combined to create one of Britain’s well recognized brands

McLaren Automotive is also opening its doors to the world, and offering a unique insight into the operations of the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC), and the birthplace of all McLaren production models, the McLaren Production Centre (MPC).

The site explores the way in which the Foster + Partners-designed MTC and MPC were conceived and constructed to inspire greatness amongst those who work within its walls, with behind-the-scenes video showing the unique production approach at McLaren Automotive.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/new-mclaren-web-site-offers-hindsight-on-hybrid-p1-creation/feed/0Newly Motorized DeltaWing Ready To Racehttp://www.hybridcars.com/newly-motorized-deltawing-ready-to-race/
http://www.hybridcars.com/newly-motorized-deltawing-ready-to-race/#commentsThu, 18 Apr 2013 04:08:33 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=57241The DeltaWing Racing Car is returning to racing this year and will spend its first full racing season in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The concept race car will make its inaugural appearance at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the American Le Mans Monterey race weekend May 9 to 11. The open-top DeltaWing premiered […]

]]>The DeltaWing Racing Car is returning to racing this year and will spend its first full racing season in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

The concept race car will make its inaugural appearance at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the American Le Mans Monterey race weekend May 9 to 11.

The open-top DeltaWing premiered in 2012 at two races – the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in October, where it finished in fifth place overall.

The race car appears this year wearing new colors.

This year, the DeltaWing has made some improvements that the race team believes will allow it to be a leading contender in the series top class, P1. The car now features an Élan 1.9-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine, new tire partner, Bridgestone, and is piloted by drivers Andy Meyrick (Cheshire, England) and Olivier Pla (Toulouse, France).

“When you consider the performance of this car, it is the performance of a hybrid, but it doesn’t need batteries and an electric motor,” said Don Panoz, managing partner, DeltaWing Racing Cars and the founder of the ALMS. “It’s all based on aerodynamics. It’s certainly very green; it’s half the weight, half the fuel, half the tire wear, half the horsepower yet the same performance.”

The main race of the weekend, in which the DeltaWing will compete, is scheduled for Saturday, May 11 at 3:30 p.m.. The race will last four hours and will take drivers from daylight into dusk.

“It will be a real treat for fans to see this radically-designed vehicle attack such a technical track,” said Gill Campbell, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO/general manager. “I think The Corkscrew turn will prove to be a very interesting test for the DeltaWing.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/newly-motorized-deltawing-ready-to-race/feed/0More Images Of McLaren P1 Hybrid Supercar Releasedhttp://www.hybridcars.com/more-images-of-mclaren-p1-hybrid-supercar-released/
http://www.hybridcars.com/more-images-of-mclaren-p1-hybrid-supercar-released/#commentsWed, 17 Apr 2013 14:16:53 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=57207McLaren Automotive has released a selection of new images of its next generation supercar, the P1. The company did so as part of the build up to the opening of the new McLaren Manama showroom over the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix program. In keeping with the passion for Formula 1 that […]

]]>McLaren Automotive has released a selection of new images of its next generation supercar, the P1.

The company did so as part of the build up to the opening of the new McLaren Manama showroom over the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix program.

In keeping with the passion for Formula 1 that Bahrain brought to the Middle East nearly 10 years ago, the McLaren P1 paid an exclusive visit to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) during its Middle East regional debut in Bahrain.

Set to re-write the rules for the dynamic performance of road-going sports cars through the delivery of an unparalleled Formula 1-derived driving experience, the goal of the McLaren P1 is to be the world’s most dynamically capable and exciting performance car.

The company said these new images taken at the BIC clearly display this ability in action, with the McLaren P1 displaying levels of active aerodynamics, downforce and performance delivery never previously experienced on the road….or on track by a road car!

The release of the new McLaren P1 images in the lead-up to the opening of McLaren Manama and the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix comes at an exciting time for McLaren customers and fans in Bahrain.

Just 375 examples of the McLaren P1 will be made ensuring a level of exclusivity and desirability to match the car’s unique performance, and interest in the Middle East is already outstripping supply following the car’s successful debut in Bahrain.

Designed as a hybrid, the supercar is powered by a mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 internal combustion engine. This engine is combined to large turbochargers and a highly effective electric motor, to provide a combined output of 903 horsepower.

These new images show just why the McLaren P1 is due to rival the iconic McLaren F1 as a true automotive enthusiast’s dream supercar.